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Welcome, River Explorers!

Guardians of Georges River

Join us on an adventure to explore, lear and protect the River!

Get ready- We're going on an adventure along the Georges River!

You'll explore how the river has changed over time, who has cared for it, and why YOU are important in protecting it for the future. 

By the end of this journey, you will discover:

  • What the Georges River was like long ago

  • How people use and care for the river today

  • Why the river matters to the community and the environment 

  • How can you be a Guardian of the River

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Think: What do you know about the Georges River?

The River a long time ago

The First Caretakers

Before roads and cities existed, the Georges River was everything.

It was a home, a food source and a sacred place for the Dharawal and Dharug Nations- the first nations caretakers of this land.

Who looked after the River?

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have lived beside the river and cared for Country. They respected the river as living and full of spirit- not just water. 

Our First Nations People used the river for:

  • Fishing and gathering food 

  • Travelling by canoe 

  • Sharing stories and dreaming 

  • Caring for Country- keeping the river healthy 

  • Ceramonies

River Ceremonies 

The Aboriginal people have performed various river ceremonies which are 

  • Ringbalin- for waterway healing and sharing stories

  • Water Dreamoing ceremonies to ensure rain and remember water sources, 

  • Nibi Walks for prayer and connection to Country. 

 These ceremonies honour water's life-giving properties, connect people to ancestral creation stories, and facilitate healing and storytelling. 

Did you know?

The Georges River was originally known as the Tucoerah River, given by the Aboriginal Ancestors. This river is a 'drowned valley estuary', which means that it was flooded by the sea and is a very important waterway for the this region. 

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The Georges River played a very important part for transport for the Aboriginal people, linking Botany Bay to the inland ares and continues to play an important role for our FOrst Nations People. 

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To our Native Australians, the river was not just water, but family, culture and life. 

Did you know the Liverpool Weir was constructed by convict labour in 1836 to provide the town of Liverpool with water. 

Think: Why do you think people cared so deeply for the river?

The River today

Today, the Georges River still plays a very important role of life for many communities. Families within the community visit the river as a part of their everyday lives to connect with nature, to relax, walk, swim, and kayak. It is a special place where people of the community are able to connect with each other, with the environment, and feel peace of being near the water.

 

The river has also changed over time and some unfortunately affect the river's health negatively. As urban development continues towns and cities have grown around the river, more houses, roads and industries have been built near the water. This has affected the river’s health. Pollution from stormwater drains, litter, chemicals and plastic waste can enter the water through the drains and harm the plants and animals that live on these lands.

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Despite these challenges, there are many groups involved who care deeply for the river's health and the surrounding environments and animals. Local communities, schools, environmental organisations and councils work collectively to clean the river, monitor the quality of the water, care for native habitats and protect the animals that depend on it. Their actions continue the long tradition of caring for Country.​

 

The Georges River is still a living, breathing part of our community — but it needs people, just like you, to keep it healthy for the future.

Did you know that The Georges River catchment is known as one of the most flood-prone areas in New South Wales

Timeline of the Georges River

The Georges River has a rich and powerful history.
Over thousands of years, people, and animals have shaped and cared for this river in different ways.
This timeline shows how the river has changed — and how it continues to connect us all.

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Before Time – The Beginning
Long before maps or cities, the Georges River was part of Country cared for and shared by the Dharawal and Dharug peoples.
They fished, gathered shellfish, crafted tools using stone, and used the river as a pathway for travel and trade.
The river carried stories, songs, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Caring for the river was part of caring for life itself.

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1788–1800s – Early Contact and Change
When European settlers arrived, the river’s purpose had changed.
Forests were cleared to make farms and houses. Boats carried goods up and down the river.
The water that had once been crystal clear became busier and more disturbed.
Many Aboriginal communities were forced away from their traditional lands, but their connection to the river never disappeared.

 

1900s – Industry and Growth
By the early 1900s, towns and factories grew along the riverbanks.
People built bridges, used the water for industry, and released waste into the river without understanding the damage it caused.
The Georges River became a place of both recreation and pollution — a reflection of a growing city learning to balance progress with care.

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Today – Renewal and Responsibility
Now, the Georges River is recognised as a living system that needs protection.
Environmental groups, schools, and councils work together to clean the water, plant native trees, and restore natural habitats.
Traditional Custodians continue to share their knowledge, reminding us that the river’s story is ancient — and still unfolding.

We are the next chapter.
Our choices will decide what the Georges River becomes tomorrow.

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Why the River Matters

The Georges River is more than just a place especially for our First nations peoples— it is the living connection between people, culture, animals, and Country.

For First Nations peoples, the river holds ancient stories, knowledge and spiritual meaning that has been passed down through thousands of generations. It is a vital part of their identity, their memory, and their responsibility to care for.

For our community today, the river is a place to learn, explore, relax, and feel calm.The health of the river is critical for local wildlife, drinking water supplies, and the enjoyment of millions. However, it faces challenges from urban pollution that necessitate ongoing management and protection efforts. It provides the wildlife with their habitats such as birds, fish, crabs and many other native animals that depend on the water to survive. The river helps keep the land healthy and life alive.

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The Georges River is significant because it is a vital waterway for Sydney's ecosystem, supporting rich biodiversity and providing essential recreational spaces for nearly 1.4 million people, while simultaneously holding a deep cultural significance for surrounding Aboriginal communities and new Australians alike. 

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When a river is cared for, everyone benefits — people, wildlife and future generations.

Did you know the water is fresh above the Liverpool Weir, becoming salty and tidal as it flows towards Botany Bay.

Links to Susainability and HSIE Syllabus NSW

The New South Wales primary school sustainability learning outcomes focus on developing students' understanding of ecological systems, human impact, and future action by having them identify sustainability issues, investigate solutions, and participate in real-world change through a five-step action process. Key outcomes include understanding interconnectedness, responsible resource use, equity, and valuing diversity to foster informed, active, and responsible citizens for a sustainable futur

 

Key Organising Ideas (from the Australian Curriculum context)Systems:

 

Understanding the biosphere as a dynamic system providing life conditions and the interdependence of all life forms.

Interdependence: Recognising how healthy social, economic, and ecological systems are linked and how they depend on each other.

World Views: Forming perspectives based on experiences and values like care, respect, responsibility, diversity, and social justice.

Futures: Developing informed actions for a sustainable future, valuing equity, and fairness across generations.

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THios site study also links to the HSIE NSW Syllabus learning outcomes;

HT2-2 describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time

HT2-3 describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects

Native animals of The Georges River

The Georges River catchment in NSW is home to a variety of wildlife such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Many threatened species also inhabit the area, including the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Koala, and Grey-headed Flying-fox. 

Mammals

  • Possums & Wallabies

  • Bats: Several microbats, like the Eastern Coastal Free-tailed Bat, and large flying-foxes, such as the Grey-headed Flying-fox.

  • Other mammals: Echidnas and potentially Koalas can also be found. 

Birds

  • Waterbirds; Curlew Sandpiper, Pied Oystercatcher, and Black Swan.

  • Birds of Prey; Owl and White-bellied Sea-Eagle are among the recorded species.

  • Other Native Birds; Common sightings include Kookaburras, Magpies, and various parrots like the Musk Lorikeet. 

Reptiles & Amphibians

  • Eastern Long-necked Turtle

  • Frogs: The Green and Golden Bell Frog, and Peron's Tree Frog. 

Threatened Species
The Georges River catchment is vital for several threatened species, including: 

  • Green and Golden Bell Frog

  • Koala

  • Grey-headed Flying-fox

  • Powerful Owl

  • White-bellied Sea-Eagle

  • Squirrel Glider

  • Glossy Black-Cockatoo

  • Platypus 

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Ecological Significance & Restoration

  • Habitat Providers: Mangroves and salt marshes provide critical habitat and food for juvenile fish, shellfish, amphibians, and birds.

  • River Health: Restoring and expanding salt marsh communities, particularly Sporobolus (a large genus of grass), is a key project for strengthening the river's food web and improving recreational fishing.

  • Mangrove Value: Once undervalued, mangroves are now recognised for providing food, habitat, bank stabilisation, and water quality benefits. 

Threats & Minimal Knowledge

  • Development: Intensive human development has modified ecosystems throughout the catchment.

  • Freshwater Gap: There is significantly less published information on the natural functioning of the Georges River's freshwater ecosystems compared to its estuarine sections. 

Did you know Watermills were operating on the Georges River as early as the 1820s? 
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(Ninox strenua) and the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook).jpg
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Your Mission: Become a Guardian of The Georges River

You are not just a visitor to the Georges River — you are part of its future.

Every small action makes a difference. When you make a good choice, the river feels it. You have the power to protect this special place for the animals, the land, and the people who will come after us.

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How you can advocate for your community
   •    Pick up rubbish — even if it’s not yours
   •    Use reusable bottles and lunch containers to reduce waste
   •    Stay on pathways during visits to protect animal homes
   •    Turn off taps quickly to save water
   •    Teach others what you learned about the river

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You can be a voice for the river.

The Georges River cannot speak — but you can.
Share what you know with your friends, family, and school. When more people care, more people act.

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Your Guardian Promise

I will respect the Georges River.
I will protect its animals and plants.
I will learn, care, and share — so its story continues.

Final Reflection

Final Reflection You have now explored the Georges River — its past, its present, and its future.You have learned that this river is not just water… it is culture, life, history, and responsibility.Take a moment to reflect on your learning:

 

Your Voice Matters Every river guardian begins with one promise.By learning and caring, you have already taken the first step. Teacher's can take this opportunity to create a yarning circle and explore and reflect on what was learnt throughout the site study. 

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1. I used to think…
Write a sentence here about what you believed about the river before this journey.

2. But now I know…
Write what you understand differently after exploring this website.

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3. One thing that surprised me was…
☐ That the river is important to culture
☐ That animals and people depend on it to survive
☐ How much pollution can harm it
☐ Other and elaborate 

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4. My Guardian Action Plan
Starting today, I promise to:
☐ Pick up rubbish (even if it’s not mine)
☐ Teach someone else about the Georges River
☐ Save water when I can
☐ Respect animals’ homes when I visit nature
☐ Other and elaborate 

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Complete the sentence below:
✨ “I am a Guardian of the Georges River because…”

References 

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